May 23 (Bloomberg) -- Democrat Barack Obama said the U.S. approach to Latin America must focus on ``bottom-up'' economic development and coordination of trade, aid and energy policies.

Obama, speaking today at the Cuban American National Foundation luncheon in Miami, reiterated his goal of engaging in direct diplomacy with Cuba and immediately allowing Americans from the Caribbean Island unlimited remittances and family travel to Cuba.

He also promised to punish any South American government that gives support to the Colombian rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, an indirect reference to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

``We will shine a light on any support for the FARC that comes from neighboring governments,'' he said. ``This behavior must be exposed to international condemnation, regional isolation, and -- if need be -- strong sanctions. It must not stand.''

``It's time for a new alliance of the Americas -- after eight years of the failed policies of the past, we need new leadership for the future,'' Obama said. ``After decades pressing for top-down reform, we need an agenda that advances democracy, security, and opportunity from the bottom up.''

Cuba has become a flashpoint in the debate between Obama and Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. While campaigning in Miami earlier this week, McCain called Obama too accommodating toward the Cuban regime.

``John McCain's been going around the country talking about how much I want to meet with Raul Castro, as if I'm looking for a social gathering. That's never what I've said, and John McCain knows it,'' Obama said. ``I will never, ever, compromise the cause of liberty. And unlike John McCain, I would never, ever, rule out a course of action that could advance the cause of liberty.''

To address economic disparities in the region, Obama, an Illinois senator, outlined policies intended to boost growth. He called for an Energy Partnership program to combat climate change and develop alternative energy to promote clean and sustainable growth.

To contact the reporter on this story: Julianna Goldman in Miami at jgoldman6@bloomberg.net; Kim Chipman in Miami at kchipman@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: May 23, 2008 13:58 EDT